Bryan,
I built a cheap (about $17 as I recall) little Ramsey UHF preamp in a small enclosure with a 9 V battery rubber-banded to the Arrow boom, but found the Arrow had so much gain at 70 cm, even AO-27 was workable at the horizon. I used an external MFJ diplexer in lieu of the Arrow built-in-handle diplexer to protect the preamp from RF on transmit (worked fine, BTW). If you don't find you can hear that well, take a look at your coax and connectors between the antenna and the rig for unusual losses.
I occasionally see the ARR non-relay preamps going on ebay for under $50 as well, and one of those with a double-ended BNC connector would bolt right onto the Arrow driven element connector.
73,
Jerry, K5OE
> Does anyone have a recommendation for a UHF preamp suitable for use with an
> HT and an Arrow? I always wish I had one when I listen for SO-50... it seems
> like it ought to be inline with BNC connectors and battery powered to
> maintain portability...
> Thanks in advance!
> Bryan Green KL7CN
> Usually /W6 in CM98fn
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